Olympic medallist Rod White knows a thing or two about shooting in pressure situations.

Lake Placid, N.Y. — When Rod White of Sparta, Wis., says the archery competition at the ESPN Great Outdoor Games is less about accuracy and more about "what's between your ears," people figure he knows what he's talking about.

White is a gold and bronze Olympic medallist, but last year he slipped to third place in the Great Outdoor Games, even though he shot the best average score of 2001's top four finishers. White admits he lost his focus and got too aggressive in a semifinal round instead of playing it safe on the windblown course.

"What's neat about these games is that it's all about strategy," White said. "All 16 competitors are great shots, everyone can hit the targets, and anyone can win. But every situation is different, and every shooter handles things differently. It's timed; it's fast-paced. Distances change, targets move, you shoot between obstacles, you make split-second decisions, you go head-to-head, and your strategy can change based on how the other guy is doing."

Pressure cooker

Randy Hendrix of Clemons, N.C. shares White's assessment. Hendrix, who finished 12th in the 2000 Great Outdoor Games before grabbing the gold in 2001, said skill is just part of these Games.

"It's all about handling pressure," Hendrix said. "In some competitions, you can get by on your archery skills, but in this, it's all about who makes the fewest mistakes, not only in shooting, but in strategy."

The format

The 16 competitors will shoot a total of 10 arrows for a maximum score of 42 points at four unique shooting stations. Missed shots have big consequences and strategy must stay at the top of every shooter's mind.

The "William Tell" target (up to 6 points) is a two-shot event where archers must shoot a 3-inch apple off a base that swings into place at 20 yards. The archers have five seconds to shoot the first apple and three seconds to shoot the second.

	“	In some competitions, you can get by on your archery skills, but in this, it's all about who makes the fewest mistakes, not only in shooting, but in strategy. ”
		— Randy Hendrix, 2001 Archery Gold Medalist

"The Bermuda Triangle" (up to 12 points) features two 25-yard shots at moving targets, one with a 6-inch, 3-point circle, and one with a 4-inch, 6-point circle. "Thread the Needle" (up to 12 points) is a 40-yard event in which archers have 30 seconds to try to shoot four arrows at four 4-inch circular targets on a vertical column, starting at the top. To add even more challenge, archers must shoot at the four-target column through a forest of PVC pipes strategically flanking the targets.

"Hole in the Wall" (up to 12 points) is a two-shot event at undisclosed distances in which archers have 20 seconds each time to estimate the range and shoot at a 2-inch, 6-point circle or 4-inch, 3-point circle. If they miss, their arrow shatters against the steel wall.

Lessons learned

Randy Ulmer of Cave Creek, Ariz., finished fourth in 2001, and the lessons he learned are all about decision-making.

"It's head-to-head, single-elimination competition," Ulmer said. "It's not like most archery events where you go out, shoot a round, and wait to see where you end up. You can't just shoot what's comfortable for you. If you're up against a guy who's hot, you better go for it or you'll be eliminated. There's no second chance."

	“	If you're up against a guy who's hot, you better go for it or you'll be eliminated. There's no second chance. ”
		— Randy Ulmer, on the lessons learned at last year's event

Not only that, but with an enthused crowd watching the archers' every move from about 10 yards away, there's the almost-certain murmur of armchair quarterbacking if a competitor misses the chance to press an advantage.

"It's a lot of fun for the crowd," Hendrix said. "And this year each target has a plastic ring that shatters on impact, so it should be even more exciting to watch."

Jackie Caudle of Gadsden, Ala., was the 2000 gold medallist in archery. He thinks the "Thread the Needle" station will trip up some archers.

"It's very difficult to shoot four arrows in 30 seconds," he said. "You really have to rock and roll, plus you're shooting between poles. I think you'll see a lot of guys only get off two or three arrows. This one might be the deciding factor."

Newcomer Marty Chapman of Hendersonville, N.C., agrees, and said that's where strategy is huge. "You might be better off slowing down and making a good shot," he said. "Better to take three shots and score points than shoot all four and hit nothing but pipes."

Another newcomer, Wade Gautreaux of Laura, Ohio, said the competition is nerve-racking, but exciting. He said it's crucial to make quick, almost instinctive decisions. Maybe that's why he performs best on the "Bermuda Triangle."

"I seem to do best on moving targets," he said. " When that target comes out, you better be ready to shoot."

No matter which shooting station is easiest or most difficult, Caudle said there's nothing predictable about the contest.

"This is a great concept for making archery fun and interesting for the shooters and the spectators," he said.

Rounding out the field of competition are Dave Cousins of South Portland, Me., who finished second in 2001; Butch Johnson, Woodstock, Conn.; Darren Collins, Galena, Kan.; Darin Mack, Avondale, Pa.; Mike Slinkard, John Day, Ore.; Darin Cooper, Layton, Utah; Richard Leftwich, Salem, Va.; Tim Gillingham, Riverside, Calif.; Brian Hollaway, Clinton, Tenn.; and Keith Brown, Greensboro, N.C.

The ESPN Great Outdoor Games, free to the public, feature competitions in fishing, sporting dogs, target sports and timber events. The event airs on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC Sports beginning July 20.